In Karnataka, while the inauguration of the new Vande Bharat Express is a proud moment, a significant debate is unfolding. Residents and leaders from Tumakuru are advocating for the establishment of the second campus of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) in their city, rather than Bengaluru.
Background on NIMHANS Expansion NIMHANS, recognized as a leading institution in mental health in India, is planning to expand its facilities to meet the rising demand for mental health services. While there has been ongoing discussion about the potential sites for this expansion, Bengaluru was initially considered the most likely location due to its established infrastructure and connectivity.
Tumakuru’s Case for NIMHANS Despite this, Tumakuru’s citizens argue that Bengaluru already hosts the primary NIMHANS campus and numerous other healthcare facilities. They contend that Tumakuru, a city experiencing considerable growth, is well-positioned to host the new campus. They believe that placing NIMHANS’ second campus in Tumakuru would not only decentralize mental health services but also spur regional development.
Local leaders have expressed concerns about the disproportionate concentration of healthcare resources in Bengaluru, which often leaves other regions of Karnataka underserved. Tumakuru’s proximity to Bengaluru makes it a strategic choice for the new NIMHANS campus, potentially improving access to quality healthcare for residents in neighboring districts as well.
Recent Developments The push for relocating the proposed NIMHANS campus has gained momentum alongside Karnataka’s latest infrastructure advancement—the launch of the 8th Vande Bharat Express. This high-speed train, which commenced its journey from Madurai Junction at 12:30 PM and arrived at Bengaluru Cantonment at 8:00 PM, was inaugurated by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot. This addition underscores Bengaluru’s expanding connectivity and infrastructure, strengthening the argument for distributing such developments across other regions of Karnataka.
Vande Bharat Timetable The newly inaugurated Vande Bharat Express will commence its regular operations on September 2, 2024. The train will run six days a week, excluding Tuesdays, departing Madurai Junction at 5:15 AM and arriving at Bengaluru Cantonment at 1:00 PM, covering a distance of 521 kilometers. The return trip will leave Bengaluru Cantonment at 1:30 PM, reaching Madurai Junction by 9:45 PM.
Special Trains for Onam To accommodate the increased passenger traffic during the Onam festival, the Southern Railway has introduced special trains between Mangaluru and Kollam. Train number 06047 will depart from Mangaluru Junction at 11:00 PM on September 2, 9, 16, and 23, arriving at Kollam Junction at 10:20 AM the following day. The return service, train number 06048, will leave Kollam Junction at 6:55 PM on September 3, 10, 17, and 24, reaching Mangaluru at 7:30 AM the next morning.
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